Bridges’ 10 years in the position followed a long association as a responder with the department beginning in 1989, when he joined the fire academy.

“Chief Bridges put in a lot of years to the department and is very dedicated,” Deer Park Fire Marshal Buddy Rice said.

Bridges, a 1981 Deer Park High School graduate, earned his EMS certification and paramedic license and joined the fire academy in 1989.

“His assistance has been invaluable in creating, sustaining, and renewing the Fire Control, Prevention and Emergency Medical Services District,” Stokes said. “Every year, he is instrumental in establishing strong budgets for both the fire district and the departmental budgets of the city of Deer Park related to fire and EMS services.”

Attempts to reach Bridges by presstime were unsuccessful.

The DPVFD is a volunteer force with over 80 members that provides fire and EMS response to more than 33,000 residents in the city and has an average annual call volume of roughly 3,000.

“Anybody that volunteers their time like these guys do and then take on a position of that nature, it’s just a lot of work,” Rice said.

Bridges led the transition of a volunteer EMS to a paid staff.

“Chief Bridges overseeing that transition and it being as smooth and seamless as it was is a true testament to his leadership,” Rice said.

While Bridges has chosen not to seek another term as chief, he will be an active volunteer responder.

In 2014, Bridges was named the Deer Park Chamber of Commerce’s citizen of the year.

He has been involved with community projects such as the fire department’s Gifts of Christmas, which helps struggling families, and Shattered Dreams, which demonstrates to young people the dangers of drunk driving.

Bridges also trains dispatchers and has been known to personally check on the welfare of residents in need.

“On a personal level, I truly appreciate all chief Bridges has done for me as city manager,” Stokes said. “He is a man of great character, and the public will never realize the amount of time and earnest effort he has dedicated to what is essentially a volunteer position.”